der  Triumph

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/tʁiʊ̯mˈf/

🏆 What does "der Triumph" mean?

Der Triumph (noun, masculine) signifies a great, significant victory or an outstanding success, often associated with joy, jubilation, and sometimes public celebration. It's more than just a simple victory; it often implies overcoming great difficulties or achieving a particularly glorious success.

Historically, the term is closely linked to the Roman triumphal procession (römischer Triumphzug), a ceremonial parade honouring a victorious general.

🚨 There is only one article: der Triumph. The word is always masculine.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Triumph

The noun "Triumph" is masculine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Der Sieg der Mannschaft war ein wahrer Triumph.
   (The team's victory was a real triumph.)
2. Sie feierte ihren persönlichen Triumph über die Krankheit.
   (She celebrated her personal triumph over the illness.)
3. Der Architekt betrachtete das vollendete Gebäude als seinen größten Triumph.
   (The architect regarded the completed building as his greatest triumph.)
4. Im Angesicht des Triumphs vergaß er alle Mühen.
   (In the face of triumph, he forgot all his efforts.)
5. Die Geschichte ist voll von großen Triumphen und tragischen Niederlagen.
   (History is full of great triumphs and tragic defeats.)

🗣️ Using "Triumph" in Context

"Der Triumph" is used to describe a particularly outstanding success or victory. The context is often emotionally charged, emphasizing the magnitude of the achievement.

• In sports: An unexpected win against a strong opponent or winning a championship can be called a Triumph.
• In personal life: Overcoming a serious illness, passing a difficult exam, or achieving a long-awaited goal are personal Triumphe.
• In history & politics: Military victories, successful revolutions, or significant political achievements are often presented as Triumphe.

Difference from "Sieg": While "der Sieg" (the victory) simply denotes winning, "der Triumph" implies a particularly glorious, significant, or hard-won victory. A Triumph is always a Sieg, but not every Sieg is a Triumph.

One might speak of a "bitterer Triumph" (bitter triumph) when success comes at a high cost or with negative consequences.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Triumph"

Article Mnemonic: Think of the Roman triumphal procession: Der general (masculine: he) celebrates his Triumph. He is the hero.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine crossing a finish line and throwing your arms up – a feeling of pure triumph! The English word "triumph" sounds very similar and has the same core meaning.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Note: Although "Erfolg" (success) can be a synonym, "Triumph" is stronger and more emotional. "Sieg" (victory) is more neutral.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Mathematiker seinen Sieg gefeiert?
(Why did the mathematician celebrate his victory?)

Es war ein Triumph der Logik!
(It was a triumph of logic!)

📜 Poem about Triumph

Nach langem Kampf, nach Schweiß und Pein,
(After long struggle, after sweat and pain,)
stellt sich der große Jubel ein.
(the great jubilation sets in.)
Die Fahnen weh'n, die Menge schreit,
(The flags wave, the crowd shouts,)
Der Triumph ist Wirklichkeit.
(The triumph is reality.)
Ein Augenblick, so stolz und rein,
(A moment, so proud and pure,)
so soll der Lohn der Mühe sein.
(thus shall be the reward for the effort.)

❓ Riddle

Ich bin mehr als nur ein Sieg,
(I am more than just a victory,)
bin das Gefühl, das aufwärts wiegt.
(am the feeling that lifts you up.)
Man feiert mich mit großem Klang,
(I am celebrated with great sound,)
nach Mühe, Kampf, wie lang, wie lang!
(after effort, struggle, for so, so long!)
Der Römer zog mit mir durchs Tor.
(The Roman marched with me through the gate.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?
(Solution: der Triumph)

✨ Other Information

Word Origin: The German word "Triumph" comes from the Latin triumphus, which referred to the official victory procession of a Roman general.

Related Words:

• triumphieren (verb): to triumph, to celebrate a victory, to be victorious.
• triumphal (adjective): highly successful, victorious, glorious (e.g., ein triumphaler Empfang - a triumphal reception).
• Der Triumphbogen (noun): A monumental arch built to celebrate a victory (e.g., the Arc de Triomphe in Paris).